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Saturday, 07 July 2007 09:54

Beechlawn Rovers Football Club is an Irish football team based in Coolock, a suburb on the north side of Dublin. The club was formed in 2004 by a group of friends from the area. They played in the Irish AFL between September 2004 and May 2007 and their home ground is Beechlawn Park. Beechlawn's stadium is unique in that it is the only ground in Ireland which includes both under-soil heating and a cantilever stand (The Des Feeney Stand). They play in red shirts, black shorts and red socks, with their away colours being blue and black striped shirts, black shorts and blue shorts. The club has unofficially been in existence since 1988, playing its matches at its original home ground, Beechlawn Green.

 

From the Evening Herald, November 1st, 2004:

BEECHLAWN LADS LIVING THE DREAM

EVERY so often dreams do come true on the football field and there's no better example of that statement than at Beechlawn Rovers, where every Saturday their football dreams become a reality.

From what started 10 years ago as a group of friends playing football together on Beechlawn Green in Coolock, often two and three days a week, has grown into a team claiming points in the Amateur League.

Down through the years the group meeting on the green gradually grew, until the stage when the green could barely accommodate the numbers. That is when Beechlawn Rovers FC was born.

CRITICS
The idea of forming a football club and competing in the AFL came up against many doubters and critics with people saying they were too young. Others said it would never happen because of the expenses involved.

However, thanks to the dedication of secretary Declan McCabe, valiant fundraising by Shane Denham and hard work by manager Robert Roden, the team not only formed but is now thriving.

DOUBTERS
That commitment coupled with sponsorship from Cope Design Ireland and Thomas Loomes & Co, proved the doubters wrong.

The club are intent on growing further also with a special mention going to David Denham, who has produced the club's website, www.beechlawnrovers.com.

Even now, though, the doubters are still heard whispering from the outside but the phrase "You'll never win anything with kids" may be particularly fitting here, considering the 18-strong squad is made up from people aged 17-22, but as the past has proved, you just never know.

 

2004-05 Season

  • June 2004: Club officially formed, and will play in the Guinness Amateur League Division 1A.
  • July 2004: Announce shirt sponsorship deal with Cope Design Ireland.
  • July 2004: Play first match, losing to St. Donagh's. Eoghan Russell becomes the club's first goalscorer.
  • August 2004: Club launch new blue and black away kit, along with a sponsorship deal with Thomas Loomes & Co. Solicitors.
  • August 2004: Play first league match on August 28th 2004, drawing 4-4 with Artane Celtic at St. Anne's Park.
  • September 2004: First home match at new venue, Oscar Traynor Road, against Chanel.
  • September 2004: First ever win against Frankfort FC, away in the first round of the Guinness Amateur Cup.
  • November 2004: Rovers featured in the Evening Herald, chronicling the roots of the club, as well as a profile on the club's first league win, 3-2 against Darndale Athletic away.
  • January 2005: Go a club record four games unbeaten under the captainship of Shane Denham.
  • February 2005: Rovers launch official bid in writing to Newcastle United for Craig Bellamy.
  • May 2005: Rovers finish 10th at the end of their first season, with 19 points.

2005-06 Season

  • June 2005: Stephen Ryan is appointed as the new Rovers manager. Beechlawn sign a host of new attackers, whilst Anto McGuirk and 'Mike' Lowry leave the club.
  • August 2005: After one competitve match (a 6-3 win over C&C) in charge Ryan leaves the manager's post in a shroud of controversy. It also marked the first game at Rovers' new Kilmore Drive home. The ground is only yards from Beechlawn Green.
  • September 2005: New signing Luke Mulvaney takes over as manager.
  • October 2005: Rovers keep their first ever clean sheet at the 27th attempt, in a 1-0 away win at Chanel.
  • January 2006: Mick Ennis takes over the reigns as manager. Rovers get off to an immediate flyer with a 2-1 home win over Dandale Celtic.
  • May 2006: Rovers finish the league in 9th position, on 18 points.

 

2006-07 Season

  • May 2007: Club plays their final ever league game against Shelbourne at home. In spite of losing the match 1-0, the team puts on a fantastic display and are so unlucky to bow out with a defeat.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 September 2009 11:32
 

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